What A month!
Summer is here, and so is our monthly update!
First things first, we hope you're having a wonderful summer and keeping cool.
Last time we posted, we mentioned that we'd go deeper into our shift from home decor and multi-product collections to focusing just on pet bandanas for cats and dogs. We also briefly mentioned how international tariffs were affecting us. The good news? For now, we've been able to maintain pricing, and we're even aiming to offer our first sale before the end of the year. So keep an eye out for that!
Why the shift to Pet bandanas?
Our original vision for Paw Years was to create a brand that bridged the gap between home decor and pet accessories. To make a visual connection between what you wear, what your pet wears, and what surrounds you. We were all in. We created mockups for dozens of products and ordered a bunch of samples, showcasing how our designs can fit seamlessly into your space, especially when updating your home's vibe.
It was an amazing, creative experience. However, as time passed, we encountered a few roadblocks. Some technical, some logistical, and some simply unrealistic for a team of one to manage (plus family assistance when available).
For example, we discovered that listing multiple colors or product options wasn't supported by our current provider. So, if we wanted a design on a black bandana or a blue bandana, we would have to create a separate listing for each, which would have resulted in a massive number of unnecessary listings. Additionally, creating collections that worked well across multiple product types proved to be more time-consuming than expected. Managing design, production, marketing, customer service, and site updates alone meant we needed to focus on growth.
After working with local business support services here in my state, we decided to shift gears and concentrate on pet bandanas. Why? Our current pet bandana supplier consistently provides excellent quality and fast production times, offering two sizes that work well for both small and large pets. This frees us up to release designs more frequently while maintaining a focus on quality over quantity.
The new direction.
We've completely redesigned the site to be easier to navigate and created new mockups using Marvelous Designer, custom 3D assets, and a mix of stock and lifelike pet mannequins. Focused on building a more consistent, high-quality experience across Paw Years.
Some of you may be wondering or asking... "Why 3D renders and mannequins?"
It's a good question. A few years ago, we lost Mila, a beautiful and loving Jack Russell. She passed before Paw Years became a reality. When I started building out the brand, I wanted a way to bring our designs to life, even without a studio or pets, to help express our vision for Paw Years. That's when I discovered these gorgeous dog mannequins from dogmannequins.com and began utilizing my 3D design skills to create mockups that I could light, frame, and present professionally. These mannequins also allow us to display both size options for both large and small pets.
I'm also looking forward to ordering a cat mannequin soon.
As we grow, we plan to invest even more in every aspect of the experience, from photography to packaging to expanded product offerings. For now, we're all in on making our bandanas as memorable as the moments you share with your pets.
What’s next?
Our summer designs are almost ready. Honestly, they could use just a bit more time in the oven. We're aiming to release them soon. Additionally, Halloween prep is officially underway. Expect more spooky updates in the coming weeks.
We'll be back with another post this Friday, where I'll share a bit about how I use music & design as a way to remember important moments.
Until then, we wish you and your pets a safe, sunny July.
